Unearthing history at homestead of cowboy John Ware

The first-ever detailed study of legendary Black cowboy John Ware’s homestead is underway near Millarville, Alta.

A team of archeologists from the University of Calgary are meticulously digging at the site, trying to find clues and artifacts about Ware’s day-to-day life and ranching challenges he and his family faced in the 1800s. The land is currently owned by Steve Fisher, whose family purchased the land in the early 1900s.

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Cheryl Foggo, the creator of a documentary featuring Ware’s life, says the dig is an opportunity for Albertans of African descent to acknowledge their place in the province’s ranching history.

“I walk this land, and I know I’m walking in the footsteps of people of African heritage,” Foggo said at the dig site. “That is a very powerful experience.”